Autobiography

A clear, candid narrative of my path from competitive diver to coach and caregiver, focusing on how faith, family support, and a commitment to stewardship have shaped my decisions, resilience, and sense of purpose.

Autobiography.pdf

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NAU 2016

Reflection on Writing My Autobiography

Writing this autobiography meant distilling a full life into just a few pages—without losing its heart. I’ve worn many hats over the years: daughter, athlete, student, coach, Christian, caregiver, and CDL driver. Early on, the hardest part was narrowing the scope. Rather than list every chapter, I chose one through-line: how faith and stewardship have shaped each role I’ve stepped into. That choice grounded the piece and gave it direction, though it meant cutting some memorable stories—like my stint with UPS—in favor of ones that revealed more about growth and calling.

Structure was the next challenge. My first draft followed a strict timeline, but it read more like a résumé in paragraph form than a story. With feedback and reflection, I realized the theme deserved a more fluid structure. So I wove the story through concepts like "roots and wings" and day-in-the-life vignettes. This let me connect past lessons to present choices without getting lost in chronological order.

Writing about faith was the most personal task. I wanted to honor it without sounding preachy. The solution? Let actions speak louder than declarations. So instead of big statements, I described things like praying poolside before a dive practice or seeing my work as a form of stewardship.

The biggest growth in my writing came from cutting broad statements and replacing them with specific, sensory details—inviting the reader to see, hear, and feel alongside me. I realized that autobiography isn’t about documenting everything—it’s about choosing the moments that most clearly show who you are becoming.

In the end, this project reminded me that clarity of theme, vivid detail, and honest reflection can turn life’s patchwork into a narrative that not only honors where you’ve been—but points toward where you’re going.